We have seen Iverson take over when playoff time rolls around, and this year is no exception. Iverson was named the NBA Western Conference Player of the Week this past week, his third time this year, and looking at his numbers it is not surprising. In his last five games, AI is averaging over 28 points, eight assists and three steals. Even more impressive than those numbers is the fact that he is shooting a scorching 49% from the field during that span. He has proved himself to be the leader of this young Denver side, and has also showed that he still has the ability to carry a team, much as he did back in his years in Philadelphia.

However, unlike his glory days with the Sixers, Iverson is not without help. On the season, there are four players averaging double figures in points in addition to Iverson, with Carmelo Anthony leading the way with 25.8. Back when Iverson led the Sixers to the NBA finals in 2001, there were only two other players with double digits in points, led by Dikembe Mutumbo with only 11.7. But, not only is Iverson getting more offensive support this season, his teammates are also stepping up at the right time.

Obviously Carmelo is a great player to have on the court in the clutch, but the Nugget who is stepping it up the most late in the season is JR Smith. He is averaging over 17 points as a substitute in his past three games, five points above his season average, and seems to be ready to provide a spark from the bench in the post-season.

In the playoffs, it often happens that one player will carry his team to victory. Last year’s incredible performance by LeBron James in the Eastern Conference Finals is the most recent example of such heroics. If the past few weeks are any indication, Allen Iverson is still capable of fireworks of his own, and don’t be surprised if he posts some big numbers. But, fortunately for the Nuggets, if he doesn’t, his team might still be able to pull out a win.

Green had a career night, scoring 35 points on 14-21 shooting and pulling down 10 rebounds, as the Sonics managed to topple the Nuggets in double overtime. He scored the five points of the second extra session, helping the Sonics pull away down the stretch.

It’s bad news for the Nuggets as they desperately need wins now, particularly in their upcoming match at Golden State. While Hoya fans couldn’t be happier with Jeff Green’s performance last night, they have to be a little worried about Denver’s postseason hopes. Let’s see if Allen can’t pull out a couple key victories down the stretch to earn a chance for that elusive championship ring.

The first time these teams met, I mentioned in the comments that Jeff Green’s game doesn’t show up particularly well in the box score. Well, I was wrong last night. Look:

This past Friday night, the Denver Nuggets led by Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony came into the Verizon Center and put together a dominating second half to beat the Washington Wizards by 26 points. Hoya Hoops was there in the locker room afterwards to find out how a Hoya and an Orangeman could work so effectively together.

Iverson and Anthony are hoping to become one of the most dangerous twosomes in the league, and though they have been together for less than a year, Anthony says their progress is right on schedule: “I learned his game. I try to watch film on his game and on my game and to see where he like the ball at, what he like to do. So by me doing that I learned a lot from him.”

Against the Wizards, the Nuggets blew it open in the third quarter when Anthony took over and scored 16 points - the Wizards as a team only managed 11. For the first time in his career, Iverson has somebody he can really count on: “It was fun just seeing him go off like that, especially for me. Just having a teammate that can do that. It was just fun to watch.” Despite being two of the biggest stars in the NBA, egos have not gotten in the way of their improving partnership.

Since the Big East began in 1980, the conference has produced hundreds of NBA players and dozens who have made a real impact in the league. The duo of Iverson and Anthony is the greatest Big East combo in the history of the NBA. When we spoke with Anthony about his place in Big East - NBA history, he was surprised and honored. He proudly represents his former conference:

“The Big East – well, like I say, you know how we do in the Big East, man. It’s lovely playing with him, a guy like Allen Iverson, who on any given night, knowing what he is capable of doing.”

And when we asked him how an Orangeman dealt with working beside a Hoya, he flashed his multi-million dollar smile and simply said, “No problems, no problems.”

Hoya fans don’t have to like Carmelo Anthony; in fact in many ways they shouldn’t. But Allen Iverson is arguably the greatest NBA Hoya ever, and if he is going to get a ring, he is going to need Anthony’s help. So to give full support to AI’s quest for an NBA Championship, true Hoya supporters don’t have to root for Anthony, they just have to not root against him. I know that’s a lot to ask for.